An international traveler has brought measles to Maricopa County, with at least one case confirmedyesterday by the local health authorities. According to 12 News, Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for Maricopa County Department of Public Health, warned "Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable." Staab is urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Dr. Wassim Ballan from Phoenix Children’s Hospital highlighted that the disease doesn't require direct contact to rapidly spread. "You don't have to have direct contact with a person who's infected," Ballan told 12 News. "If that person was in a room and left there, the air that's in that room is contagious for up to 2 hours after that person leaves." This makes places visited by the infected individual a risk zone for those not immune.
While measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. by 2000, it has made a resurgence recently. According to AZ Family, the Arizona Department of Health Services reports that only 89% of kindergarteners in the Valley are vaccinated against measles, which is lower than the 95% required to achieve herd immunity. The airborne virus can spread through coughing and sneezing, with potential complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling.
"It's always difficult when we see children, specifically, suffering from infections from things that are preventable," said Ballan in a statement obtained by 12 News. Vaccination remains crucial, with Ballan adding, "Nine out of 10 people exposed will to develop measles if they don't have immunity to it." For those concerned they've potentially contracted measles, Maricopa County Department of Public Health is advising people to self-isolate and to promptly call their healthcare providers.
If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, white spots in the throat, and rash, officials recommend isolation and contacting your healthcare provider. For more information on this developing situation, you can reach out to MCDPH at 602-506-6767.
